Letter: Suggestions for saving

Sunday

Aug 26, 2012 at 3:23 PM

In response to Michael Fugitt's suggestion (letter, Aug. 18) to share ideas for conserving water, here is a simple one. Several years ago after being charged $1.75 for a glass of iced tea, I decided to order water instead. I always make it a point to ask for a small glass. Usually the server will bring one of those giant, two-handed glasses, which I don't even begin to finish. What a waste!

As we're all about tight budgets and saving money, here are a couple more ideas for cutting back: I have an aquaintance employeed by AISD. Her duties take her to three schools. Among items furnished to her by the district are three boxes of 1,000 business cards identifying her position with AISD - one for each school. Why not a smaller number of cards with the names of all three schools on the same card? For one or more of the schools, she has also been given logo T-shirts, notepads, totebags, coffee mugs, pens, pencils, etc. School districts are constantly bemoaning their money shortage, but just how much is being spent on silly, unnecessary giveaways? What a waste!

I have my utility bills on bank draft. Each month, I receive statements from Xcel and Atmos indicating the amount that will be paid. From the city, I receive a similar statement, but a return envelope is always included for the payment that is going to be drafted, not mailed. Xcel and Atmos have figured out how to separate statements from bills that will be paid by return mail. The city could surely do the same. The number of return envelopes being tossed in the trash each month probably numbers in the thousands. What a waste!

Look around. You'll see so many ways to live more conservatively!

Patty Ellis

Amarillo

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